From the Secretariat

Floods, Infringement Notices and the Victorian Election

DR ELIZABETH GIBSON, General Manager of the CMPA.

Floods

The floods that devastated Northern Victoria were mitigated in part by Members supplying as donations sand for sandbags and levees in very difficult situations. Well done to all. It is hoped that the floods will recede quickly and the communities get back to normality as soon as practicable.

Some Members have been contacted by the Quarry Approvals Coordinator (DJPR) to ensure that there is adequate supply of construction material for repair of flood damaged roads (a repair bill estimated to be ~$1 billion). One of their proposed solutions is to fast track a pathway to extend opening hours whilst the repair work is undertaken.

Infringement Notices

Many Members (60 quarries and counting) have received infringement notices by post in November 2022 from Earth Resources Regulation (ERR) for failure to lodge Annual Returns and Royalty Returns by the due date of 31 July 2022. Note approximately 500 quarries received notices.

CMPA Members are very aware of their responsibilities with respect to submission of returns as required by the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (MRSDA). However, the process for submission of the returns was changed by ERR for 2021/22. The changes included:

• No longer was a hardcopy form mailed to each Work Authority Holder.
• ERR mandated that the returns would be submitted electronically via the Resource Rights and Allocation Management system (RRAM).

• A separate form was required for Royalty Returns even if the figure was zero.

The RRAM system is not fit for purpose (it is being replaced by ERR next year). Communication from ERR apparently fell short. Some Members did not receive any communication at all. The general consensus is that Members have been subject to harsh and unjust treatment by ERR. This is best summed up in a comment form a Member:

“We strive to do our best and pride ourselves on completing all reports in a timely manner and were quite distressed to have received an infringement.”

Victorian Election

The Victorian election takes place on 26 November 2022 and the results will be in by the time you receive this magazine. One thing is for certain is that the resources industry will have a new Minister.

The Hon Jaala Pulford MP and Minister for Resources is resigning and will not be contesting the election. Whilst CMPA and the Minister did not always see eye to eye, Jaala listened to our concerns with the proposed reform for the MRSDA and put the reform on hold until further consultation with CMPA is held. Below is the final message to CMPA from Jaala as Minister for Resources:

“I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve had working with the industry. All the very best to you and your Members for the future.“

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